First Baptist Church, Titus
Elmore Baptist Association
Favorite Bible Verse: John 12:44
Favorite Hymn: “There Is a Balm in Gilead”
Hobbies: Gardening and carving wood bowls
Family Status: Married 66 years to Geraldine; three children, Sharon, Nancy and Kenneth; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren
At 88 years old, John Steven “Stevie” Rouse has been a deacon most of his adult life, starting after he returned from serving in World War II. For nearly the same number of years, Rouse has been a Training Union teacher, and he seldom misses church.
Q: How did you become a Christian?
A: When I was 16, I went to church and came under the conviction of God’s Holy Spirit. When I realized I was lost, I couldn’t stand to be lost and I had to ask for forgiveness.
Q: What led you to begin teaching classes in church?
A: Before I was drafted into the Army infantry in 1942, I served as the Sunday School superintendant. That was my first job in church. The older people looked at me as a prospect, and they put me to work early.
Q: How do family members support you?
A: My wife has been with me all the way. My children support my position. They respect me and, I think, love me as a family should. My wife and I still have our daily devotions at our breakfast table, where we both read the Bible and each one prays separately.
Q: How do you see yourself involved in church in the future?
A: I still am substitute teaching for two classes and an active deacon, but I am limited in visiting and dealing with the young people because of my hearing.
Q: What difference has your Christian walk made for you?
A: I certainly try to avoid the finger-pointing issues and not embarrass myself or the Lord. I try to talk the talk and back it up and walk the walk every day just like I think I should live with God’s help to the best of my ability.
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